Promising Packers rookie surprisingly retires two weeks after NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers made upgrading their offensive line depth a priority over draft weekend.

Along with drafting three offensive linemen, including Arizona's Jordan Morgan in the first round, Green Bay signed two undrafted free agents to add even more depth. It will lead to competition for starting jobs and roster spots over the months ahead.

One of the players the Packers brought in was Michigan's Trente Jones. He was expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp, and his ability to play at both tackle spots with the possibility of moving to guard increased his chances.

However, Jones has surprisingly stepped away from football.

Packers rookie Trente Jones placed on reserve/retired list

While announcing that they had claimed Spencer Waege off waivers, the Packers placed Jones on the reserve/retired list. This is surprising news just two weeks after Green Bay signed Jones as an undrafted free agent.

What does this mean?

The reasons for Jones' retirement remain unclear, but if he does decide to return to the NFL, he would resume his contract with the Packers. That doesn't change because he has stepped away.

Jones had a real chance of making the roster. He has the elite athleticism that the Packers covet, and his positional versatility would've helped his chances. Jones made our list of Packers undrafted free agents most likely to land a roster spot, while Pro Football Focus named him Green Bay's undrafted free agent to watch.

Jones was a national champion with Michigan last season. Given the depth Michigan had, he was mostly a backup but showed his talent when given opportunities. He could've started for many other teams. The hope was that with time to develop in Green Bay, Jones could've become a quality backup lineman.

The Packers may want to add another offensive lineman for depth following his retirement.

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